Both ex-presidents named Bush won't be in Washington for President Obama's inauguration.

It's the first time since 1997 that George H.W. Bush will miss inaugural festivities, according to his spokesman, Jim McGrath. George W. Bush, Obama's immediate predecessor in the White House, also won't be there at the U.S. Capitol.

"President and Mrs. Bush wish President Obama and his family all the best for a wonderful inaugural" event, Bush 43 spokesman Freddy Ford said in an e-mail.

Former presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton will be at the public swearing-in ceremony.

The elder Bush, who is 88 years old, was released from a Houston hospital last week after battling several illnesses for nearly two months. McGrath said in an e-mail that the 41st president is "getting better every day." The elder Bush had complications related to bronchitis, a stubborn fever and an infection, and his hospital stay included some time in intensive care.

Republican Mitt Romney, who lost the 2012 election to Obama, is not expected at Obama's inauguration.

CBS News reports this is the first time since 1989 when the losing presidential candidate won't be in attendance. Romney, a former Massachusetts governor, is no longer an elected official and does not have a formal role in Monday's events.